The Intergalactic Highway

(ooc: Agreed! Awesome post, Alak. Looks like the progression has come to a halt while waiting for some people to post. I was waiting too but since it's been 4 days, figured I'll acknowledge other posters. )

Aurora vaguely heard the voices as she rushed by the others but she chose to ignore them until she got to her quarters. As she did, she slammed the door shut behind her and stopped in her tracks. Finally dropped to her knees in the room and with a deep sigh she took in her surroundings. On the far wall was the computer monitor along with several plants that had been part of her botanical experiment, still running as if she had just started. Sighing, Aurora pushed herself up and moved over to the blinking screen. With a brief scowl at her own foolishness, she reached out and flicked a button which promptly shut down the experiment and made the screen go black.

If this was indeed what had caused the temperature regulations to fail in the brig, it was far too late to change the results that she had failed to predict. The fuzor actually had no idea of what implications the temperature regulations would have since she'd been unaware of the specifics of what had been occurring in the brig, yet this fact hardly made her feel any less guilty about what happened.

As she stood there, by the computer, she heard the gentle tapping on the door and Whitegrazer's voice calling for her. Grudgingly, Aurora went over to the door to let her in.

Meanwhile Nemesis had made her way back to the Predacon base. As she landed, there was no greeting party waiting for her, so she simply transformed and entered. It didn't take long before she heard voices inside, more specifically Megatron and Terrorsaur talking. The avian Predacon waited a moment before entering the room, giving a brief nod of acknowledgement to those there before taking a spot in the opposite end of the room while she waited for the pterodactyl to finish up his report.

(( OOC: Awe, thank you, Phoenix. Poor Aurora. Don't worry. The monkey won't punish her.

Fantastic post, Alak! Certainly put me in a better mood. Let's see what it does for Optimus.

WorpeX, I couldn't agree more with Phoenix about Airazor. Very nice. Much more depth to her than the show provided; although I've always liked her anyway.

Awe. Poor Whitegrazer. Now I feel bad. Nice, una.

Sorry for the wait, guys. I was getting caught up on those AMC movies with the Story Notes this week. So fun to watch. XD And I've also been trying to spend as much time as possible on my drawing for the BotCon art contest. I have a lot more to do, so expect me to be a little less active this weekend and next week and possibly the weekend after that. I'll post when I can! ))

"The area is ours," "and Sentinel is up again. Despite the truce at hand, we can't afford to have anything of this sort happen again." "Can't afford to let this one out either."

Optimus barely heard Rhinox, lost in his own world that seemed to be crumbling all around him while he continued to examine the damaged door. Until what the rhinoceros said next.

"Her death wasn't your fault," "It was hers."

Standing up straight, Primal's optics locked onto Rhinox's but he remained silent. This wouldn't have happened had I not held Nemesis prisoner, he thought. He understood what his friend was saying, but he still couldn't help feeling responsible. However, he wasn't going fall into a debate over it.

"You may be the captain of this ship, and you may technically hold responsibility for our actions in the court of law. That does not, however, acquit any of us from the accountability accompanied with our decisions. Valkyrie was a smart Maximal and she has the experience to back her rank up. She knew what she was doing when she walked in here, regardless of whatever condition she had. When was the last time we put her in the field? It's been at least a year from what I can remember; probably more if you look it up. We did take precautions with her well-being. We did educate her on the rules of the team. What happened here was a result of Valkyrie's decision and hers alone.

You, on the other hand, were not here when this happened. None of us were. Think about it. What would you have done if you knew she walked into the brig? Abandon the mission in the field and fly back here? You still would have been too late to save her, and Ironclaw and the others would have been more exposed to risk of injury without your help."

The leader's head thoughtfully lowered for a moment from Rhinox's words. He would have done anything to have saved Valkyrie's life, even if it cost him his own. No one should be dying. Death. Extinguished sparks that are lost to the Matrix, never to be seen or heard from again. It was surreal to him. He didn't like it at all. Why did Valkyrie do this? Why?

"Optimus,"

He shifted his gaze back up to the science engineer.

"You and I have known each other longer than anyone else in this universe has. I would never tell you this if I didn't believe it with my fullest convictions. Optimus, you have to accept the fact that you cannot control our fates. You can't always be around to save every single individual when they find the slightest hint of trouble. To believe you're capable of doing so is to give into your pride. The only absolute power we have is the one that allows us to teach. Pass your wisdom to others, and then let them do what they can with that knowledge. We've given Valkyrie everything we could've. We have to accept the fact that her death was out of our control at the time. Let this incident teach us its lessons, learn from them, and grow from the experience in order to prevent this from happening again."

Primal was so grateful to have such a wise friend. Although his words angered at him at first, Optimus calmed down and let them sink in. As more rage subsided, he could feel Whitegrazer's presence again. He was well aware that he couldn't be around to save everyone from danger or death. Obviously. He had already lost three Maximals now. And he greatly feared losing any more. Not again. So now it was time to toughen up and do what needed to be done. It was time for his Maximals to step up and learn something from these incidents. It was time to bring them together more than ever, and be the only commanding officer he knew how to be; himself. With Rhinox's inspiring perspective, it cleansed Primal's mind and attitude, and he suddenly seemed to stand taller, more confident, and less tolerable.

"You're absolutely right, Rhinox," he finally spoke with a calm voice. "Thank you. I don't know where I'd be without you." Probably in pieces, falling into a darkening abyss of hopelessness. But now he felt rejuvenated and more optimistic. Time to spread it around. "Let's lock up the brig, secure it, and we'll remove and quarantine Valkyrie's body later. I fear I've left the others alone for too long." Even though things might have been looking bleak for the Maximals right now with the recent deaths, they still had a lot to go over with Ironclaw's mission, and Optimus didn't want them to think that he was breaking down. If he falls, everyone falls. He still had to lead them and keep them together, no matter the grief or loneliness that many might have been experiencing. The others looked to him for guidance and leadership, and he couldn't let them down. Since Rhinox had already updated the security clearance for the brig and Sentinel's defenses, Primal stepped out and immediately headed back to the bridge.

"Tigatron, Orcariner, this is Optimus. Report to the commander center immediately for a debriefing," he called over his comm. link to theirs, recalling from Rattrap's earlier report that they were in the medical bay.

(( OOC: Don't mean to rush things, Alak, but I figured we should keep rolling. Again, awesome job with Rhinox. He's OP's mentor. ))

-----

Meanwhile, noticing Aurora's reaction, Rattrap sat up and studied her for a moment. "Aurora? What's wrong?" he asked. But before he could say anything else, she suddenly bolted out of the main bridge. "Hey! We're supposed to stay here!" he called after her but heard nothing in return except fading foot steps down the corridor. Worried, he was about to chase after her until he saw Whitegrazer take the initiative. Sighing and shaking his head, he hoped their fearless leader would be back soon to make everyone fall back in line. Surprisingly, Starshadow was being awfully quiet and staying out of trouble. He could've sworn she'd be poking fun at them for their loss or being so emotional with each other or anything really.

"I'm really beginning to wonder if any of these Predacons have some decency for life,"

Rattrap looked at Feralnight in agreement. "Most of 'em? I don't think so. And that only makes it that much worse for us." He sat there waiting for anything else to happen, or others to show up, figuring they had captured what they could from all of the video feed.

-----

"You're right," "Let's go to the bridge. Everyone seems to be congregated over there." "Nemesis was the escapee..."

Tigatron began walking until Orcariner announced who the escaped prisoner was. How on Cybertron did she manage to get out?! Where was Airazor? Was she safe? Now he was more eager than ever to find her and be by her side.

"Let's meet up with everybody and find out what happened."

"Tigatron, Orcariner, this is Optimus. Report to the commander center immediately for a debriefing,"

"Sounds like we don't have a choice," the white tiger commented casually upon hearing their leader's voice. He made his steps quick and light, proceeding the larger Maximal toward their destination.

Cheetor wasn't sure if Airazor was telling the truth, saying everything was alright when she had just been crying beforehand. But, then, the way she switched from crying to speaking normally... maybe she was just tired, like she said.

"Y... yeah," he said hesitantly. "You're welcome."

Remembering Optimus' command for him to go check the base, he headed off to the hallway that Dinobot hadn't gone down.

* * *

While Dinobot was jogging through the Axalon (Optimus had, after all, said "sweep"), he passed Whitegrazer at the door to Aurora's quarters. And then, as he was rounding the next corner, he bumped straight into Cheetor. They both stumbled, but stubbornly stayed on their feet.

"Watch where you're going, furball!" Dinobot scowled.

"Everything's clear on my side of the ship, too," Cheetor countered.

Dinobot paused for a moment, and then spoke more calmly. "Then you go back to the bridge. I'll check the circuit room."

"O.k." Cheetor replied before walking past him.

* * *

Steelclaw stayed absolutely silent after Megatron's outburst. He simply hadn't been on the scene, which, for one thing, meant that he couldn't offer any insight on what happened, and for another, meant he had nothing to excuse himself with.

That's when Nemesis flew in.

Did she have any way of knowing everything that had happened just earlier that same day in the attempt to free her? Because here she was now, just flying into Predacon territory without any help from her teammates.

Suddenly, Steelclaw wished even more that they could take it all back. If only they had just waited until night time, Nemesis would have come to them all the same, and Glowstick would still be alive.

But then... maybe they would have gone for Arachnitron's sake, too. And they had rescued her from the Maximals. Was that enough to warrant Glowstick's death? No, it didn't seem so. Arachnitron wasn't always on their side; she didn't even want to be rescued.

A brief glance around the room proved that point even further; she was nowhere to be found. He looked then to Nemesis, and, burying his emotions, gave her a short wave before saying, "Hey."

(( OOC: !! I always love the interactions you post between Dinobot and Cheetor, Blazemane. Dinobot is such a scowl. ))

((OOC: Thank you; Dinobot is fun to write. I'll try to get him out of the circuit room and back onto the bridge soon after that last post so all the Maximals will be there to listen to Ironclaw's report. I know I've been late with these posts; the end of this school year has been busy.))

((OOC: Thanks! Yes, you feel bad. How dare you block that connection. JK Whitegrazer is all understanding. I had tweaked that post today to fix it a bit and make it more clearer to my intent. Did it over coffee full of caffeine. XD She will just be happy that he is back again! YAY! Good old Rhinox and his pep talks! Makes me always wondered back in the show if Rhinox used to be a leader and that's why he is all: Already did this gig. Your turn, buddy.

Phoenix, I have to admit. Everytime my character talks to Aurora, I'm back at this computer, wanting to write Whitegrazer giving her a big hug. She's so cute. I want hug her! Though, if Whitegrazer did, she will have to be very gentle. XD Because she is so tall. XDDD

Edit: Oh! Cool, OOP! I can't wait to see what you come up with in the contest. I love your art! ))

As she stood there, by the computer, she heard the gentle tapping on the door and Whitegrazer's voice calling for her. Grudgingly, Aurora went over to the door to let her in.

When Aurora appeared from behind the door, she gave the young ermine a comforting, soft smile with an expression of concern written all over her face as she gently reached for the little one and gave her a hug, "I saw you run off. I wanted to see if you wanted to talk or needed anything?" It was after that sentence, she felt Optimus' presence again. Her spark was overjoyed to see the wall lifted away and seemed to greet the reconnection like someone seeing an old friend for the first time in years. She was glad and silently thanked Rhinox who no doubt had probbaly talked to him.

"You seemed so unsettled as you ran here. I'm willing to give you an audiotory sensor if you need it, but if you don't want to talk, I will understand." Whitegrazer really wanted to know what was bothering the little ermine. The little one had seen alot in just one day with two of their comrades no more. Whitegrazer wanted to offer her an ear if she needed or a punching bag to let it all out later on, but if she wanted to. Aurora probbaly wanted to be alone with her thoughts for a bit, which she understood. Though, they all had to go back to the command center as Optimus wanted them all there.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Blackarachnia transformed to walk the rest of way back to Arachnitron's pod but laid low as she noticed Arachnitron grabbing the taranutla transformer. Part of her wanted to join in for some fun, but something told her something was amiss here. That retched spider, Tarantulas, touched the other arachnoid in an assured manner. His face seemed twisted in a false pity and reassurance. Oh boy, what was this spider allow him to do? Arachnitron seemed angry and desperate for something. Probably to fix what was wrong with her. Really, she was going to let this complete stranger she has just met help her? Blackarachnia darkly laughed. How weak-willed this Predacon or whatever was. Blackarachnia would never ever let anyone inside her processor especially that creep.

Her laughter stopped though as her survival instincts kicked in, but she was indecisive. She could intervene, but Arachnitron might foolishly attack. If she didn't do anything, Arachnitron would attack her later. Should she let pride get in the way of survival? But maybe what would it say about her? That she can't handle treachery? It would make her look weak. And she will not be weakened.

I can handle them. It's not my fault this spider is this gullible. She rolled her optics and sighed heavily, waiting and watching the two to see what will happen next.

((OOC: Thanks, everyone! I'm glad I can make Rhinox have a bit more impact on this RPG. We have leaders, soldiers, and scientists, but I guess we now need a counselor lol. Considering his decline in combat activity in seasons 2 and 3, you guys might as well use him as one. Rhinox's office is always open.))

IC:

The officer nodded in acknowledgement to Optimus' words. He could not help be smile a little at the sight of his leader's resurgence of confidence.

It's good to have you back.

Leaving the brig with Primal, Rhinox turned around and sealed the door. With the ship's top two officers leaving the cells, no one would be going in or out of them. Hearing Optimus call for the two Maximals in the infirmary, the rhinoceros was reminded of the second task he had in mind. Rhinox wanted to check up on Orcariner to see how the latter was holding up. If Optimus Primal could be shaken by death, then surely the less experienced soldier would have succumbed to grief's effects through the loss of a close friend. Still, Tigatron had accompanied the titan. For someone who was taken out of a stasis pod after landing on this planet, the white tiger exhibited wisdom that Rhinox found respect for. Perhaps Tigatron's spark belonged to one of the two pilots the Axalon had rescued in the middle of their chase of the Darksyde. While memories could be erased, the effects of experience obtained from a previous life could not be wiped out. Rhinox had long suspected Tigatron to have lived an active life prior to his inclusion into the Beast Wars. It was this suspicion that persuaded the senior officer to place so much trust into the feline.

Who knows... maybe I won't need to sit down with Orcariner after all.


---------------------------


Optimus' voice came through the intercom. Orcariner looked at Tigatron and nodded in agreement.

"Optimus," he radioed back, "we're on our way now."


((OOC: I didn't feel the need to write about the walk back to the bridge. Don't wait on me to write about him being in the bridge. Just assume that he's there by the time Optimus and Rhinox arrive.))

(Ug, well I guess that takes care of figuring out what to do with Onyx..)

Alak wrote:In the face of Megatron's outrage, Scorponok took several steps back. Terrorsaur, however, was the first to jump forth and excuse himself from any responsibility of Ironclaw's appearance.

"Megatron," the pterodactyl squawked, "I was on in-door patrol duty so there was no way I could have known the furball was in our territory. I was kinda the first one to find him, though, and I did sound the alarm. I did what I could!"

Scorponok rolled his eyes in disgust. Of course, the red flyer would do his best to make him appear as innocent of blame as possible. Crawling up to the furious Predacon leader, the 1st Lieutenant spoke up.

"My lord," he said, "I believe the one in charge of surveillance duty was Onyx. If anyone is to blame, it is him!"

There, a name was called out and a scapegoat was created. Technically, everyone was to blame for their inability to capture the slow badger. However, as long as the Predacons were able to focus solely on one individual, the rest were to be spared of Megatron's wrath.

Megatron observed as Terrorsaur and Scorponok spoke, he rubbed his chin as his eyes narrowed Hrm.. Yess.. Very well. Onyx, as punishment you are confined to your quarters.. Scorponok, I want a sweep of the computer terminal that Maximal used.. find out what they know and report to me. As for the rest of you.. your dismissed.

Megatron turned towards Nemesis glancing down towards her So even the Maximals couldn't hold you for long.. Yesss.. he then climbed into his chair, speaking up once more What do you have to report Nemesis?

Aurora sighed softly and briefly returned Whitegrazer's hug, and stepped aside to let the taller female enter. Her quarters was among the smaller on the base, filled with memorabilia from those who meant the most to her such as Icebreaker, and the far wall had a computer terminal neatly lined up alongside some local plants the fuzor had gathered during her attempts to find a task she'd be good at.

Yet, despite all the stuff filling up the quarters, there was a certain tidiness to the clutter, as most things were somewhat neatly lined up. It wasn't always this way, but Aurora hadn't been back here often lately so the room was still fairly clean after the last time she brought it upon herself to tidy up.

Whitegrazer wrote:"You seemed so unsettled as you ran here. I'm willing to give you an audiotory sensor if you need it, but if you don't want to talk, I will understand."

"It's.. complicated," the small ermine responded, trying to put on as brave a face as she could. She stepped inside the room, not wanting to debate it out in the hallway for everyone to hear.

In a much quieter tone she continued, "But I think what happened is my fault.."

Megatron wrote:So even the Maximals couldn't hold you for long.. Yesss..

Nemesis smiled slightly at the purple Predacon commander's remark after he dismissed the others. Most of them still lingered, however, but she didn't mind either way.

Megatron wrote:What do you have to report Nemesis?

"The Maximal subcommander Valkyrie has met a rather unfortunate end," the black and red flyer responded, almost casually, seemingly unaffected by her experiences with the Maximals. As she spoke, she also shrugged while holding her arms out a bit, to demonstrate she was not carrying weapons.

"But it would appear the Maximals have started recruiting again. As I made my departure, Starshadow was getting chummy with some new friends."

Once more the white tigress found herself surprised by Ironclaw's actions but she managed a nod before watching the badger walking off to go do the task Optimus had assigned to him. Wintersong began to wonder if helping the badger a few times today, next to Aurora and Optimus with Megatron arriving before hand, had already started a friendship between the two which to her was a little amazing considering she didn't make friends with the crew that easily. 'Always a first time for everything,' She thought as she managed a smile and knew Ironclaw however was right in his words. With a light sigh she pushed aside her grief and sadness and decided to focus on more positive thoughts even though it still wasn't easy.

Sitting back in her chair WIntersong took a quick glance at the others seeing everyone was waiting or doing something else, though Frilla messing around with some image caught her interest slightly and continued to watch,"Hey Frilla what are you working on?"She asked curiously after a while.

Megatron smirked as he listened to Nemesis

Nemesis wrote:"The Maximal subcommander Valkyrie has met a rather unfortunate end,"

Accidents do happen.. and to take out the enemy's air commander.. However I must ask you reframe from terminating anymore Maximals at the moment.. it could be problematic at the moment, we do have a cease fire with them..But that will dissolve soon..

Phoenix wrote:"But it would appear the Maximals have started recruiting again. As I made my departure, Starshadow was getting chummy with some new friends."

Megatron's optics narrowed as his smirk faded away She was always.. troublesome. I'm not sure how our former subcommander kept her under his tentacle so well..But no matter. With him gone, she abandoned her pupil..Or maybe she went after Sonar..Either way should be a much amusing drama..Yesss.. His smile formed once again leaning back in his chair, he hit a button on the arm of his chair as a holographic sphere monitor swung on an arm towards him, bringing up the live feed from Feralnight.

He then spoke up You've done well Nemesis,take any weapons from the armory and a much deserved rest..

Do not bring up that upstart's name Cephalopod..Or you will suffer as he did.

That shocked Cecaelia when Megatron raised his voice. What did Glowstick-kun suffer? Is he hurt? Or is he fine? The strange thing was she did not see him around. What was going on?! Glowstick was never late for important meetings.

Now.. I will get to the point..which one of you can tell me how a Maximal spy got into our ship without any of MY Predacon forces being able to stop him, and further more escape with possible Predacon secrets?! Explain yourselves at once!

The octopus just kept quiet like a mute and innocent girl just to avoid getting backhanded if she said something wrong or offensive and listened to Scorponok and Terrorsaur.

As for the rest of you.. your dismissed.

About time..Cecaelia headed towards the hangar since Glowstick spends most of his time with the Leviathan and looked around. "Glowstick-kun!

No response and the cargobay of the transport was open, so she went inside to its bridge.

"Glowstick-kun!! she called out to him at the top of her voice. Still, no response. Was he avoiding her? The short femme went over to the computers, she wasn't good at them but she hoped it has an artificial intelligence. "Umm..computer, track Unit Glowstick."

* * * * * * *

Starshadow was bored out of her mind. She transformed into robot mode and walked towards the large round table and sat on it while looking at her nails, "so where's Icebird-in-a-tuxedo? I didn't see him around."

Ironclaw searched through the halls of the Axalon, looking in the rooms as he went passed. He was quite content with Wintersong's reaction, to him it was just about having each others back. He had confidents in her. For what he was about to say Optimus, could mean he will need all the friends he could get.
Ironclaw came to Saberfang's quaters, he knocked but there was no answer. He opened the door and took a step in. To his surprise she was asleep, in her robot mode. He'd. Ever seen her in robot mode. He didn't stare for too long, it didnt feel right, no matter how tempting it was.
After his sweep of the ship he went back to the bridge where he found everyone exactly as they were.

Frilla looked towards Wintersong when she asked what she was working on but before the frilled lizard answered she heard Starshadow and looked towards the panther. "He's no longer with us Star, he was...terminated during the attack on the Axalon."She said with a curt tone but wasn't about to say anything else then that. She turned her attention back to the white tigress then,"As for your question Wintersong I'm working on a possible shield. Tigatron kind of gave me the idea when we encountered the Vok."She told her and glanced back at the design.

"The hard part is getting the dimensions right next to coming up with an effective design."She added as she frowned and tapped a few keys to turn off the image."Still a work in progress."With that she got the disc that came out and put it in a sub-space with a shrug.

"Least not all Predacons are like that Rattrap, a few of them have had some restraint from taking a life."Feralnight replied but had to wonder if that was beginning to change. Though she didn't voice it out loud since it wasn't exactly a new thought for anyone, most Predacons weren't trusted because of their faction's reputation. But it did seem to get difficult to trust even the more diplomatic or peaceful Predacons any more it seemed.

Taking her hand away from flicking through the brig camera images the fuzor thought for a moment to herself again. "Much more worse then the team I was with,"She said to herself, to low for Rattrap to hear. Pushing back the thoughts she turned to look back seeing others beginning to return.

Blackrosefencer wrote: Arachnitron hesitated for a moment wondering what she would do if this didn't work as he said it would. Who knows what the Predacon would do to her if, after Tarantulas' tampering, she was still present. But she put her concerns aside. She had to do this or she would be at the mercy of her conflicting personalities for the rest of her life.

"Yes," she finally answered much more calmly than she had been before. "I'm looking forward to being rid of them." Her voice was thick with hatred and disdain for her alter egos. It certainly must have sounded like the Predacon speaking for a moment, but her green optics revealed otherwise.

She was ready. She was ready to start a new life; one without her multiple personalities.

"Oh my...Such thick, undiluted hatred from this one...I could learn to like her yet, Bwahahaha!" Tarantulas mused inwardly as he replied "Excellent! Let us begin, grant me access to your core so that I can access your programming and implant one of these little trinkets I keep handy on my person for just such occasions."

The tip of Tarantulas's right pincer opened to reveal some manner of tool at the end of which was a programming chip, bearing a purple spider symbol instead of the traditional Predacon insignia.

"I've already internally rewrote the programming for this particular, makeshift inhibitor chip, so it should serve our purposes quite nicely until I can find the time to build a new, permanent model" he explained as he waited for his patient to grant him access to her core so he could properly install the chip inside her so it could begin its task.

"May I proceed?"


OOC: great to be back Blackrose, thanks! I hope this short post is alright, it basically covers what needs to be said and done I think...What ya think? I hope just cooking up the chip to be installed works in this instance, didn't think Big T needed to plug in any wires or something for this, guess I'll have to work on my pred techno babble in the future lol.